WILLEMSTAD – An increasing number of airlines are preparing to resume flights to Venezuela after the commercial airspace over the country was reopened, ending years of restricted aviation activity. The move comes amid broader changes in U.S.–Venezuela relations and growing interest from carriers to reconnect routes that were suspended in recent years.
Among the airlines already selling tickets again are Copa Airlines and budget carrier Wingo, both of which have restarted flights to Caracas after service disruptions. These developments point to a gradual return of international air services to Venezuelan destinations.
One of the most notable developments involves American Airlines, which has announced plans to resume direct flights between the United States and Venezuela for the first time since 2019. The airline, which had maintained a presence in Venezuela for more than three decades before suspending service, is seeking approval from authorities and undergoing required safety and security reviews before flights can begin.
In addition, Venezuelan carrier Avior Airlines has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to restart flights to Miami and Houston. A definitive return to the U.S. market will depend on meeting international safety and regulatory requirements, including compliance with standards such as the FAA’s Category 1 safety rating. Avior currently uses Curaçao International Airport as a hub for flights to Miami in the interim.
The reopening follows a period in which the Dominican Republic’s President Donald Trump directed U.S. authorities to reopen commercial airspace over Venezuela, after it was previously closed for U.S. carriers during a period of military and diplomatic tensions earlier in 2026. Despite the airspace reopening, the U.S. State Department continues to maintain a strong travel advisory for Venezuela, citing safety concerns.
As flights gradually return, aviation analysts see the developments as the start of a broader recovery of international air connections with Venezuela, which for years had one of the most limited aviation networks in the region following suspensions by major carriers.
Observers note that while full restoration of all routes may take time, the resumption of commercial flights marks a significant shift for international travel to and from Venezuela and could boost connectivity throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
Key developments:
- Copa Airlines has resumed regular flights to Caracas.
- Wingo is selling tickets again to Venezuelan destinations.
- American Airlines plans to restart direct service between the U.S. and Venezuela, pending final approvals.
- Avior Airlines has applied to resume flights to Miami and Houston, with Curaçao serving as a hub in the meantime.
The reopening of Venezuela’s commercial airspace is poised to reshape regional air travel and could lead to further expansion of service as carriers evaluate demand and secure regulatory clearances.